The Hadrian Library isn’t hard to find. Once you get off at the Monastiraki station, you’re right on Monastiraki Square. Look around 360 degrees and you’ll find Athens at a glance. Stand in the middle of the square and you’ll see domes of old Byzantine churches.

Look far ahead and the Acropolis with the stunning Parthenon is just within walking distance. The surrounding area is full of cheap shopping where you should buy your souvenirs. The smell of souvlaki evaporates into the air – and before you know it – you’re hungry!

Walk on the alley to the direction of the Parthenon. On your left, you’ll find an ancient domed architecture. Right next to it, you’ll find the ruins of Hadrian Library. The library is, of course, named after Hadrian, a Roman Emperor from 117 – 138 AD.

Venture down a narrow gorge between two cliffs towering at 263 feet high and you’ll encounter the Lost City of Petra, Jordan. Petra was mostly unknown to the western world until it was “discovered” in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss traveler.

The Nabataeans settled within the rose-colored rocks over 2,000 years ago and the architectural detail of the tombs, temples, sacrificial alters, and obelisks survived for travelers today to marvel at.

Though the Nabataeans were conquered by the Romans around 100 AD, the city remained a junction on the silk and spice trade routes, that linked China and India to Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome.